Just Stop!

Several years ago I was in therapy for what is formally called Generalized Anxiety Disorder.  Basically, I worried too much.  As part of my "treatment," my therapist suggested the thought-stopping technique, meaning that when I began to worry/obsess, I instead imagined a Stop Sign, thus putting a halt to those negative, non-productive thoughts.  Simple as it sounds, it did have some degree of success.

Though I no longer suffer from the same degree of anxiety & depression I once did, I do still worry. A lot.  I worry about my kids, money, health, etc. etc, and I've noticed that it's beginning to monopolize my life more than it should.

I've also been fighting a few other bad habits including overeating (sometimes binging) which I'd like to conquer this year.

So, with this in mind, I'm going to continue my new year's tradition of choosing one word to focus on, a mantra of sorts.  This year, what comes up for me time & time again, is STOP.  When I start to needlessly worry about some problem or another, STOP.  When I go for a second helping of dinner or am tempted to raid the pantry, STOP.  From picking at my fingernails to speaking out of turn, this word applies.  So simple yet so bold, that big red sign in my head: Just STOP!

Interestingly enough, as I was pondering this word-of-the-year, I stumbled upon a fantastic blog post entitled 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself. Perfect timing.  In addition to my own personal goals, I'm adding those listed by Marc & Angel as well.  I'll be posting in more detail about each one, and venting sharing my own progress as I work on these new better habits.  In the meantime, tell me: do you have a mantra for 2012?


Rapunzel~